Sensory and Motor Disorders

Sensory issues are a common feature of autism which can cause difficulties with understanding and tolerating a normal environment. Autistic people are also more likely than the general population to have difficulty with movement (motor skills). Delays in motor skills and general clumsiness are especially characteristic of Asperger Syndrome but are found in other forms of autism as well.

Autistic people are often oversensitive to sensory input. This can cause them to be overwhelmed by common sensory experiences such as stores and swimming pools. Undersensitivity can also be a problem. People who are undersensitive to sensory input may self-stimulate (stim) or even self-injure in order to get the input their nervous system requires. Commonly there is a mix between oversensitivity and undersensitivity which may fluctuate randomly. Sensory issues are frequently the cause of negative or odd behaviours.